Bongo wont start!

[ediblehedge]

Hi everyone - I hope you can help:

Back in February I was having trouble starting my bongo, asked on here and my suspicions were confirmed that the glow plugs probably needed looking at. I had it serviced and MOT'd over the summer, but completely forgot about the glowplugs.

So, as expected I'm having trouble starting it again. Only this time, it wont start at all

We rarely use the Bongo first thing in the morning, so at 8am Saturday morning we loaded it up and tried to set off for family birthday celebrations, but no joy. It will turn over but not start.

I *think* the glowplug relay is ok - I can hear something click as the key is turned and a quieter click about 6 seconds after the glowplug light goes out, which I believe is what should happen.

When I turn the key, the engine turns over, but does not fire. I tried leaving it until yesterday 3pm, but still no joy. There is quite a strong smell of diesel coming from the exhaust.

Looking at the battery, it has Japanese writing on it so assume that it is the original one, although it was imported only 16 months ago. Maybe that could do with replacing, but will this help get the car started so I can get it to the garage?

I'm a bit of a mechanical numptie, so could do with any advice you guys can offer, before I try to push it to the garage...

Many thanks

Phil

[Rkkibongo]

Have you checked that you have fuel coming through? The fuel pipe is on the same side as the glowplugs, rising from the fuel filter next to the enormous air filter 'bin.' You can loosen the pipe and check for evidence of diesel.

[ediblehedge]

Thanks for the suggestion Rkkibongo.
Unfortunately I'm not sure I can identify where the fuel pipe is. Or the glowplugs for that matter. I've followed the directions on fact sheet, but I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. Give me the inside of a computer any day!

I'm going to take a walk down to the garage that serviced it for me and see what they can do to help. I suspect this could get expensive

[ediblehedge]

Just had a chat with the garage and they can fit new glow plugs for me, but recommend that I get them from the bongofury shop. And since I live round the corner from the garage, they're happy to tow it, assuming I still can't get it started: hurrah!

Is there any *easy* way for me to tell if it's the glowplugs or the glowplug relay or both, so I can order the parts?

I'm happy to get both and accept any unused parts as the cost of ignorance, but if there's an easy way...

Thanks again.

[tanner]

Hi Phil

It really does sound like the glowplugs need replacing. You can check that the relay is doing its job by checking the following :-

Open up the engine bay at driver's side. You should see a long metallic strip which connects the glowplugs together, running along the side of the cylinder head. This is the strip that sends 12v to the plugs, to make them glow. Check with a meter, or a 12v bulb ? by connecting to that strip and to an earth. With the ignition on, that meter or light should register (and occasionally go off as relay switches).

If you don't get a reading, it is the relay or wiring. If you get a reading, it is almost definitely the glowplugs. A replacement set of glowplugs cost about £50. Not that difficult to replace, just a bit fiddly to access the back one if not done before. Garage should be able to do it all in 30 minutes ?

[ediblehedge]

Thanks tanner.

I think I see where you mean and will get a meter out to it tomorrow or Wednesday. Garage said they could change them in an hour tops, so sounds pretty good, but I might have a go at it myself first, if it's that easy

Will get an order in as soon as Bongo Towers reopens next Monday. Gives me a chance to check the relay.

The garage suggested letting the glow plug warm up 6 times before trying the engine which I'd read on here too, but this doesn't help. They also suggested connecting a battery charger at the same time. Is this worth getting one to try it, or even replacing the battery?

Cheers...

[tanner]

If the engine is turning over, then its not likely to be a battery problem. You will inevitably end up changing the plugs, and this will solve all your immediate problems. The battery will pack up sometime in the future, but don't rush it

[ediblehedge]

To give you all an update - if anyone cares

I was getting a 12v reading, so looks like the relay is ok.

Glowplugs ordered on Monday from the bongomaster, arrived yesterday. Guys from the garage came to pick him up, couldn't get him started either. Fortunately the garage is only 300m or so away and all downhill!

Just waiting for the garage to phone and let me know progress and the bill

Will let you know when I'm back on the road again.

Thanks again

Phil

[ediblehedge]

All sorted!

Just the glowplugs needed replacement. He now starts up far better than he ever has...

[tanner]

Great news How much

[ediblehedge]

£70 for the plugs
£21.15 for the garage to pick it up
£45.83 1 hour labour

Total £136.98

Look on my Mum's face when I show up two weeks late for her birthday?

Priceless